Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across the county in every season.
2026 is packed with exciting moments. Southampton’s much‑loved City Art Gallery reopens its doors, 7th March 26, with inspiring new displays and exhibition, a must‑visit for culture‑seekers, whilst this summer at The Utilita Bowl it will host six ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup matches between 13–20 June 2026, making it one of the county’s biggest sporting events of the year. In Winchester, the Van Gogh Alive at Winchester Science Centre on now until 22nd March 2026, bringing the world‑famous multisensory exhibition to Hampshire for the very first time and offering visitors a new way to engage with Van Gogh’s iconic paintings in the Planetarium Dome. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with an host of events and a 100 things to see and do. The highlight is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront — perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore, 13th July - 13th September.
Love is in the air at Marwell Zoo this half term, 14th - 22nd February 26, wander through the beautiful parkland to uncover adorable animal love facts, and snap unforgettable memories at the Wild at Heart photo spots. Start your journey to becoming a wine connoisseur at Quob Park Estate, Wickham, 26th March 26, with a introduction to wine tasting which includes Quob Park's expectational English Sparkling wine and six still wines from around the world. Sping is in the air at Jane Austens House, Chawton, with this years Spring Fling Festival, 1st - 4th May with guided Chawton Village walks, themed house tours, and drop‑in reading/drawing sessions. This year, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk bringing vibrant mid‑to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.
From scenic coastline and vibrant events, to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today — your Hampshire experience is waiting.
Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county.
To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break.
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation
The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island.
Number of results: 152
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Music
Portsmouth
Music has always played a vital role in life at sea, from signalling orders across a busy deck to lifting morale during long voyages. In Sounds of the Sea, Southern Music Project teams up with the Royal Marines Band Service Cadets to bring these…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Swedish Takeover on Saturday 4 July 2026.
Volvo Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire invite all Swedish vehicle owners and enthusiasts to join them for their annual Swedish Takeover at Beaulieu.
Water Based Activities
Beaulieu
Treat Mum to the Mother of all gifts this Mother's Day; a wonderful paddle to the pub on the Beaulieu River with New Forest Activities. You'll enjoy a gentle guided tour through the idyllic Beaulieu River Nature Reserve, ending at the Master…
Music
Bembridge
The show encompasses everything from that period, from the clothes that were worn, to flashbacks from television history, including: TV programmes, adverts and even clips from the original bands.
The Counterfeit Sixties presents a showcase of the…
Childrens Events
Farnham
Hop to Birdworld this Easter for an egg-citing hunt! Explore the Park, discover hidden eggs, and collect letters at each stop to spell a secret word. Solve the puzzle and claim a delicious chocolate treat.
Concert
Newport
The Ibiza Orchestra Experience: The Final Encore This incredible 26 piece orchestra will be performing some of the greatest hits from the famous white isle, for the very last time!
Expect an unforgettable night featuring:
26 piece…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply French on Sunday 28 June 2026.
Owners of all French cars are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the National Motor Museum parkland, for a superb day out for enthusiasts and owners.
Special Events
Winchester
Winchester Science Centre hosts UK premiere of Van Gogh Alive.
One of the world's most celebrated immersive art experiences is coming to Hampshire. From 22 January to 22 March 2026, Van Gogh Alive will take over Winchester Science Centre, offering…
Arts
Southampton
Family-friendly culture festival involving delicious Thai food, dancing, boxing and more.
Tour
Fareham
This massive Victorian fort still holds many secrets, come and explore its hidden depths with our expert guides and take the opportunity to see Fort Nelson from a different angle.
Exhibition
Winchester
This free exhibition in Winchester College's Treasury museum draws on the College’s collection of Old Master prints and has been curated by a group of pupils in their final year at Winchester. It includes prints of many different types, by artists…
Festival
Portsmouth
Victorious Festival returns for 2026 - bringing some of the biggest bands and artists to Southsea Common.
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of the National Austin Seven Rally on Sunday 28 June 2026.
With Austin Sevens from across the United Kingdom and Europe gathering in the Beaulieu parkland.
Join the Pre-War Austin Seven Club as it celebrates…
Free Event
Newtown
Birdwatching at Newtown National Nature Reserve Join the National Trust and step into the calm beauty of Newtown with a guided walk through its saltmarshes, meadows, and winding creeks.
Discover birds on guided walk This peaceful corner of…
Music
Winchester
Handshake Ltd
The Ultimate Eagles
Handshake Ltd are proud to present the world's premier Eagles show, The Ultimate Eagles.
Having performed to over 1,000,000 people worldwide, The Ultimate Eagles features a cast of internationally acclaimed…
Food
Whiteley, Fareham
£10 Sunday Roasts
Available every Sunday from 4th January at The Parsons Collar Pub
Celebrate Sunday with a tasty £10 treat!
When they are gone they are gone!
Book - lodge@solenthotel.co.uk
Heritage & History
Portsmouth
Step into a world of clicks, calls and curious creatures as we explore the sounds of the sea. Long before modern technology, sailors relied on careful listening to understand weather conditions, spot wildlife and stay safe at sea. Today, sound…
Special Events
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of the Custom and American Show on Father's Day, Sunday 21 June 2026.
With hundreds of cool American motors, colourful custom cars and bikes, live music and hip entertainment, this is a family show not to be…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Beaulieu
Aim for Adventure! Put your skills to the test this Easter. Join New Forest Activities for a fun-filled archery tournament with a seasonal twist! Learn how to shoot a real bow and arrow, then go head-to-head in exciting Easter-themed archery games…
Carnival
Ryde
Ryde Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight The very last carnival of the summer, Ryde Carnival's illuminated procession is a fabulous spectacle of light and music that rounds the Isle of Wight carnival season off in style.
Carnival route …
© Visit South East England 2026. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
